Emily loves the adrenaline rush of festivals and events
Emily McCullagh has her sights firmly set on a career working on some of the biggest events in the country after completing a dual Diploma of Travel, Tourism and Events at South West TAFE.
Volunteering at festivals and events during her studies inspired her career direction and it is the adrenaline rush that she loves the most.
Emily started her studies at TAFE during her gap year after completing year 12.
“I originally accepted a Bachelor of Science at La Trobe University leading into a Pharmacy career however decided to take a gap year.”
It was during her gap year that Emily decided to enrol in the Certificate III in Travel, Tourism and Events at South West TAFE.
“It was something I had always been interested in and I loved it so much I went on to do the dual Diploma,” she said.
After completing her studies, Emily was offered a paid job at the Victorian Dance Festival in Melbourne, where she had volunteered the previous year.
During this time she worked as the Executive Assistant to the Director of the festival and managed ticketing and the volunteers for the event.
Emily then went on to work for the Warrnambool Racing Club where she was involved in the May Racing Carnival and more recently she has worked for the Warrnambool City Council helping to organise the South West Regatta, the Volunteer Expo and Fun4Kids.
Emily is now studying her Bachelor of Management at Deakin University which she received credit points from her studies at South West TAFE.
“I loved my time at South West TAFE – I learnt so much and the skills we were taught have helped in giving us a great background in so many different events.
“We learnt so many practical skills and got so many opportunities as part of our course,” she said.
Emily said the chance to work on different events and the opportunity to go to Alice Springs, help out on the cruise ships and visit China was what attracted her to South West TAFE.
“I’d recommend this course to anyone – the networking and experience we gained was great,” she said.
After completing her university studies Emily has dreams of gaining employment working on a big event like the Melbourne Grand Prix.
“Big events are what I love most – the adrenaline rush and seeing it all come together is the best thing,” she said.
